The Atiku Media Organization (AMO) has queried the plan of the Federal Government to raise another $2.8 billion dollars Eurobond, the fifth series in less than 2 years.

Coordinator of the Atiku Media Organization, Laurel Chinedu who made the view of the Organization known accused the APC led government of continuously plunging the nation into series of debt.

“I’m amazed that President Muhammadu Buhari is weighing into the option of seeking another Eurobond valued at $2.8 billion dollars. Let me make this known to the general public that if this is approved, it will be the fifth time in two years. Laurel Chinedu said”.

This has caused Nigeria external debt to rise massively in the last three years of the APC administration.

“After the PDP government got us out of debt, they (APC) came with recession, the common man is not safe, Nigeria is now the world capital of Poverty, Jobs are still lost daily, they are mortgaging our future with massive debt Laurel Chinedu added “.

“Borrowing is not a bad economical activity, as long as the money is spent on the productive aspect of the economy, have Nigeria seen infrastructure all around them with these increase borrowing?. The answer is no. ,we need to create wealth not Frivolous spending Laurel Chinedu further added”.

“The way Nigeria is incurring debt, we may just find out that one day all our budget will be used to service debt”. Chinedu lamented.

The APC administration has grown the Federal Government external debt from $7.34 billion dollars to $17.83 billion dollars in just three years of ruling.

“Laurel Chinedu further revealed that if President Muhammadu Buhari’s proposed $2.8 billion dollars Eurobond sails through it will bring the total amount of Eurobond taken by the APC led government to $9.8 billion dollars in three years”.

“Earlier this year in February, the APC led government of Muhammadu Buhari collected $2.8 billion dollars and now they are requesting another $2.8 billion dollars loan, this is insane and sheer madness”.

“Other debt owed includes $3 billion dollars (World Bank), $1 billion dollars (AFDB) and $300 million dollars (Diaspora). All these has led Nigeria’s debt to increase by a whopping 142% in just 3 years of APC administration”.

“Investors now rush to loan money to Nigeria because of its high interest yield compared to other nations”.

“I’m afraid we are gradually going back to the 90’s. You will recall that in the year 2000, the then PDP government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo repaid $12 billion dollars debt owed by Nigeria (which was incurred during the military era) to the Paris club, with $18 billion dollars written off”.

“The painful thing is that all these debts are not invested into any capital project that can pay back in the future rather as election draw closer, the APC is perfecting its plan of rigging and vote-buying hence the need to stack money rises”, Laurel Chinedu concluded.

The Atiku Media Organization (AMO) has queried the plan of the Federal Government to raise another $2.8billion dollars Eurobond, the fifth series in less than 2 years.

Coordinator of the Atiku Media Organization, Laurel Chinedu who made the view of the Organization known accused the APC led government of continuously plunging the nation into series of debt.

" I'm amazed that President Muhammadu Buhari is weighing into the option of seeking another Eurobond valued at $2.8 billion dollars. Let me make this known to the general public that if this is approved, it will be the fifth time in two years. Laurel Chinedu said".

This has caused Nigeria external debt to rise massively in the last three years of the APC administration.

"After the PDP government got us out of debt, they (APC) came with recession, the common man is not safe, Nigeria is now the world capital of Poverty, Jobs are still lost daily, they are mortgaging our future with massive debt Laurel Chinedu added ".

"Borrowing is not a bad economical activity, as long as the money is spent on the productive aspect of the economy ,have Nigeria seen infrastructure all around them with these increase borrowing ? . The anwser is no. ,we need to create wealth not Frivolous spending Laurel Chinedu further added".

"The way Nigeria is incurring debt, we may just find out that one day all our budget will be used to service debt". Chinedu lamented.

The APC administration has grown the Federal Government external debt from $7.34 billion dollars to $17.83 billion dollars in just three years of ruling.

"Laurel Chinedu further revealed that if President Muhammadu Buhari's proposed $2.8 billion dollars eurobond sails through it will bring the total amount of Eurobond taken by the APC led government to $9.8 billion dollars in three years".

"Earlier this year in February, the APC led government of Muhammadu Buhari collected $2.8billion dollars and now they are requesting another $2.8billion dollars loan, this is insane and sheer madness".

"Other debt owed includes $3billion dollars (World Bank), $1billion dollars (AFDB) and $300million dollars (Diaspora). All these has led Nigeria's debt Ro increase by a whopping 142% in just 3 years of APC administration".

"Investors now rush to loan money to Nigeria because of it's high intrest yield compared to other nations".

"I'm afraid we are gradually going back to the 90's. You will recall that in the year 2000, the then PDP government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo repaid $12billion dollars debt owed by Nigeria (which was incured during the military era) to the Paris club, with $18billion dollars writen off".

"The painful thing is that all these debts are not invested into any capital project that can pay back in the future rather as election draw closer, the APC is perfecting it's plan of rigging and vote buying hence the need to stack money rises", Laurel Chinedu concluded

The Atiku Media Organization has raised an alarm that the APC through it's media group know as Buhari media organization (BMC) is planning a protest in the 36 state of the federation and also the US Embassy.

This was revealed via the groups Twitter handle known as @TeamAtikulate on Tuesday.

Coordinator of the Atiku Media Organization Laurel Chinedu revealed this saying that paid members of the Buhari Media Organization are planning to stage a protest in all states of the federation including the US Embassy with the theme #AtikutraveltoAmerica.

He went further to call such planned action as childish stating that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar has witnessed three administration since leaving his post as vice President and yet none of these administration has deemed it fit to charge him for any corruption case.

He pointed out that the American Government and the American immigration is yet to release any statement regarding Atiku Abubakar's ban to the United states of America.

You will recall that PDP Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar was fingered in a 40million$ Halliburton scandal with the former vice president challenging Nigerians who accused him of being corrupt to come forward and

The report detailed how Atiku Abubakar while still the vice president of Nigeria between 2000 and 2008, used offshore companies to siphon millions of dollars to his fourth wife in the United States, Jennifer Douglas.

Specifically, the report said Jennifer Douglas, an American citizen, helped her husband bring over $40 million in suspect funds into the United States through wire transfers sent by offshore corporations to U.S. bank accounts.

In 2004, the then America President Bush barred Atiku and other corrupt politically exposed persons from being issued visa to the United States.

The heated rivalry between the APC and the PDP has continued to trigger serious concerns amongst many Nigerians as we have seen series of clashes between the two party leading to next years election.

Is a pity that people who know nothing about Egina come here and talk rubbish. I was part of the people that has been working on that Egina platform calibrating over 900 PSVs (pressure Relief Valves). I really enjoyed myself even though a as a contractor earning over 35k daily for 6 months.

Now listen Egina has been on plan even before Goodlucks Jonathan's regime when the MOU was signed. Buhari is just lucky it sailed in his administration.

I'm neither PDP nor APC but I feel ashamed when instead of thinking how to make money, you ate here arguing about Buhari and Jonathan who doesn't even know you.

Look around your mates are driving good cars and living well. Some on Egina platform where earning 250k per day just as a Rope Access Inspector.

Receive sense and leave politicians alone except you are eating directly from them.

And just before you doubt me if I'm was ever on Egina attached below a screenshot of my demobilization email after my contract ended.

Once again pls receive sense and leave politician

Thanks

The House on the Rock, a well known church in Nigeria has gone spiritual for the Super Eagles ahead of their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign in Russia www.90minutesgoal.com reports.

“Concerning the Super Eagles of Nigeria, we declare that the heavens will favour their cause,” the church wrote via their Social Media platforms.

“God will lift up the light of His countenance upon them, teach their hands to war, bless their honest efforts, grant them His wisdom, grace and give them victory after victory, that Nigeria may achieve good success and so we may lift our heads up yet again as a Nation.”

The post was backed up with a picture of the lead pastor of the church Paul Adefarasin holding a replica Jersey of the Super Eagles which was presented to him by the Nigeria Football Federation President Amanju Pinnick and his wife.

The Eagles who will be making their sixth World Cup appearance in Russia will face Croatia in a Group D match on Saturday.

Kickoff at the Kaliningrad Stadium on Saturday is 8pm.

Also in Eagles’ Group are Argentina and Iceland

Read More: http://www.90minutesgoal.com/2018/06/world-cup-2018-house-on-rock-church.html

Two Venezuelan players have been sacked by their club after video footage of them torturing a cat emerged www.90minutesgoal.com reports.

Zulia, who play their football in the country's Primera Division, terminated the contracts of David Barreto and Eduin Quero after the clip surfaced on Instagram.

The video, which has now been removed from the social network, showed the duo pulling on the animal's limbs before throwing it out of a window.

Zulia issued a statement confirming that the two players have been "expelled" following a thorough investigation and condemning all forms of animal abuse, The Sun reports.

The club also suggested that Barreto and Quero seek psychological help, despite no longer being part of their squad.


More pictures and Full story: https://www.90minutesgoal.com/2018/04/two-venezuelan-players-have-sacked-for-torturing-cat.html?m=1

Two Venezuelan players have been sacked by their club after video footage of them torturing a cat emerged.

Zulia, who play their football in the country's Primera Division, terminated the contracts of David Barreto and Eduin Quero after the clip surfaced on Instagram.

The video, which has now been removed from the social network, showed the duo pulling on the animal's limbs before throwing it out of a window.

Zulia issued a statement confirming that the two players have been "expelled" following a thorough investigation and condemning all forms of animal abuse, www.90minutesgoal.com reports.

The club also suggested that Barreto and Quero seek psychological help, despite no longer being part of their squad.

Full story and more pictures: http://www.90minutesgoal.com/2018/04/two-venezuelan-players-have-sacked-for-torturing-cat.html

Ahmed Musa took a thoughtful decision to look good ahead of Super Eagles Pre-World Cup match against Serbia and was spotted lip-syncing to Reekado Bank's hit track, 'Like.' 90minutesgoal.com reports

The CSKA Moscow forward who is with the Super Eagles in their London camp visited a barbershop where he had a fresh haircut; after all, "looking good is good business," they say.



Musa took to his Instagram page to entertain his followers with the video of himself having fun while the barber beautified his hair. The Super Eagles player addressed the video with a thoughtful caption:

'There is a reason for everything in your life, And Allah has chosen that for you, You may not have a hint or clue, But, you will have that sunshine, So, stay happy and don't whine, Because Allah has something for you on his mind!���," wrote Musa.

What actually got out attention was how the former Leicester City player, sang along to the lyrics of Mavin Records artist, Reekado Bank's hit track "Like."


He even asked the barber to give him some "Shaku Shaku" steps while the song played in the background.


Nigeria will play Serbia on Tuesday at the 5,176 capacity Hive stadium (Home of Barnet FC ) by 8:00 pm Nigerian Time.


Watch Video here: https://www.90minutesgoal.com/2018/03/watch-video-ahmed-musa-ready-for-serbia.html?m=1

Players and officials of MFM FC were involved in a ghastly road accident 90minutesgoal.com reports.

The accident happened at about 4.40pm along Akungba, Ondo State on their way to Lagos from Jos where they honoured their Week five (5) away game against Plateau United which they (MFM) lost 1-0.
We gathered from an eye witness that no life was lost from the accident but few individuals were injured including the coach of the team, Ilechukwu Fidelis who is in a state of coma.

The accident we gathered happened due to brake failure.


More details: https://www.90minutesgoal.com/2018/01/mfm-team-involved-in-accident.html?m=1

It has been revealed that the dreaded kingpin and notorious kidnapper, cultist and killer, Don Wanny was hatching a plan to attack football loving fans of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL on matchday 90minutesgoal.com reports.

Don Wanny whose real name is Egima Johnson Igwedibia was shot dead alongside his second-in-command Ikechukwu Adiele and another member Lucky Ode by a joint operation of the miltary and the Department of State services on January 7.

Don Wanny who was the brain behind the January 1 New Year's massacre that left 17 innocent people dead, was killed during a heavy gunbattle with security officers in Enugu state in eastern Nigeria.

Army spokesman Col. Aminu Iliyasu said Wanny was planning another deadly attack on citizens of Omoku with strategic crowded places as his main target.

"Yes he was planning to launch another attack on innocent people with schools, churches and football followers his priority targets, Col. Aminu told www.90minutesgoal.com.

“There was a presidential directive that the perpetrators of that act must be brought down. We were given a mandate to collaborate with other security agencies in the state to hunt the gang down.

"But all that has been nullified due to the swift reaction, high intelligence network and operation of the security agencies. Col. Aminu concluded.

Don Wanny is a native of Omoku which is home to newly promoted football Club Go Round FC of Omoku.

The club plays it league matches at the 1000 capacity Krisdera Hotel Stadium which is located at Umu-Ewo Royal Avenue, Go-Round Villa City, Omoku.

90MinutesGOAL took a trip to Omoku, to feel the heartbeat of the Football loving community ahead of the new NPFL season which starts on January 14.

90MinutesGOAL spoke to a supporter of Go Round FC who simply have his name as Kingsley Adie, who said he is happy with the recent developments and looks forward to watch all Go Round's 18 league home matches with a relaxed mind.

"Words cannot explain how I feel right now, you know our darling club will be making its debut in the Nigeria Professional Football League and we need to project Omoku as a peaceful loving place since some of the matches will be on Television. "We can now watch league matches with relax mind, he said.

Another supporter Kelvin Obi who idolizes Go Round FC inspirational captain Nelson Esor, thanked President Buhari, the Nigerian Army and DSS for their prompt effort, saying he is looking forward to the first home game against Akwa United.

"Every criminal has an expiry date and that of Don Wanny has just expired. I want to thank President Buhari and all security agencies that carried out that bold mission, Kelvin Obi told www.90minutesgoal.com.

"I am looking forward to our first home game against Akwa United on January 21, 2018 in Omoku". Omoku is a nice place so all our vistors we have a nice time after we defeat them after each game Obi joked.

Go Round FC will begin life in the Nigeria Professional Football League with an away game against Wikki Tourist of Bauchi on January 14, 2018 before hosting Aiteo Cup champions Akwa United in Omoku on January 21, 2018.

In a recent development, Go Round FC of Omoku are true to the final of the NNL Super four holding in Lagos and will play Heartland FC of Owerri in the final tomorrow.

Go Round FC first NPFL five matches

Vs Wikki Tourist (away)
Vs Akwa United (Home)
Vs Lobi Stars (Away)
Vs Heartland (Home)
Vs Kastina United (Away)

Full story and pictures: https://www.90minutesgoal.com/2018/01/Late-Don-Wanny-planned-to-attack-NPFL-fans-in-Omoku.html?m=1

CplusJason:
Where's Anthony Ogbotu?

Is Anthony Okputu bro, he is with Lobi Stars but currently on national duty with the home based Super Eagles

Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has adopted the son of his late brother Peter Adebayor who died in July of 2013 90minutesgoal.com reports.

Adebayor has been taking care of the his late brother's son Junior in addition to his own seven year daughter Kendra..









Full story and pictures: http://www.90minutesgoal.com/2018/01/Adebayor-adopts-late-brother-son-90MinutesGOAL.html

As 2017 comes to an end, Chinedu Laurel Okorodike of 90MinutesGOAL outlines the good, the viral and the biggest moments in Nigerian football in the year 2017.


1. Victorious Plateau United in the NPFL

The Nigeria professional football league, NPFL witnessed another end to end finish as Plateau United claimed their first title since the club was formed.

The Jos based club amassed 66 points from 38 matches played.

2. Super Eagles qualification for 2018 World Cup.

The Super Eagles had a sweet run during the qualification campaign for the Russia 2018 World Cup.

Initially placed in a group many christened "the group of death ", this Super Eagles defiled all odds and tore the form books into shreds as they ended the campaign without defeat finishing off Zambia to pick the sole ticket.

It was Nigeria's sixth World Cup ticket. However Nigeria defeated Argentina 4-2 in an international friendly to add more spice to the year.

3. Amanju Pinnick CAF executive seat victory.

2017 was the year Pinnick broke the back of the cabals that had in the past scuttled every attempt of a Nigerian getting into the confederation of Africa football executive seat.

It is worthy to note that since CAF was formed 60 years ago, only two Nigerians have been elected into CAF. They are late Etubom Oyo Orok Oyo and Amos adamu.

Previous attempt by Alhaji Aminu Maigari, Alhaji Ibrahim Gincumbent Alhaji Sani Lulu, to get into the CAF executive committee was blocked by some high ranking cabals.

Pinnick defeated Anjorin Moucharafou of Benin Republic 32-17 to win a seat into the CAF executive committee.

4. HOME-BASED SUPER EAGLES’ QUALIFICATION FOR 2018 CHAN

Prior to the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2018 World Cup, the home-based Eagles secured their ticket for next year’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco.

The home-based Eagles were drawn against Benin Republic in the play-off round from the West B zone.

In the first leg played in Cotonou, Benin Republic won 1-0 thanks to an 89th minute penalty by Mama Seibou.

But in the return leg at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, a goal in each half by Rabiu Ali and Kingsley Eduwo, sealed a third CHAN appearance for the home-based Eagles.

5. Nigeria lose World Cup points to Algeria

BUT for the unassailable fourteen-point dominant lead Nigeria stamped on the earlier touted “zone of death”, in Group B of Africa’s World Cup qualification efforts, the nation could have been thrown into deep mourning after it was sanctioned by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) on Tuesday, December 12, 2017.

FIFA announced the deduction of three points from Nigeria’s fourteen points and awarded them to Algeria over the fielding of an ineligible player, Shehu Abdullahi, in the final leg of the qualification for the tournament which will hold in Russia in 2018.

Abdullahi was given a one-match ban which he had not served when he was drafted to play in the second leg of Nigeria’s away tie against Algeria.

FIFA ruled as follows: “The Nigeria Football Federation is liable for having breached Article.55 paragraph.1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and article 8 of the 2018 Regulations of the FIFA World Cup Russia.

“The match played within the frame of the preliminary competition of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia between Algeria and Nigeria on 10 November 2017 is declared to be lost by forfeit by Nigeria (3-0).” Nigeria was also fined 6,000 Swiss Francs or N2.2 million. Luckily and happily, the deduction did not affect Super Eagles’ standing at the top of the log as Nigeria had already qualified for the tournament before the Algeria match.

6. 2017 CAF Award shortlists

Despite Victor Moses not making the cut in the African Player of the Year category, the country still remained in the spotlight. Gernot Rohr was nominated in the Coach of the Year category while his Super Eagles will also do battle for the Team of the Year.

In the women’s category, Asisat Oshoala look good to make it a hat-trick of wins as her heroics for her Chinese side, Dalian Quanjian earned a nomination alongside the Nigeria U20 women side.⚽

Full Post: https://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/Nigeria-football-in-2017.html?m=1

As we bid goodbye to 2017, 90minutesgoal.com outlines ten Nigerian footballers who got married in the outgoing year.

Enjoy reading.

1. Maarouf Yousef (Zamalek SC of Egypt)

Zamalek SC player Maarouf Yousef married his long-time girlfriend Aisha Folakemi in June 2017.

The couples were joined in front of family members, friends, colleagues and eminent personalities in Kwara State.


2. George Akpabio (Hapoel Katamon of Israel)

Nigerian striker George Akpabio George Akpabio wedded his heart-throb Norlyn in an elaborate wedding in July 2017.



3. Ahmed Musa (Leicester City)

Nigeria and Super Eagles star Ahmed Musa got married to Juliet Ejue in July after divorcing his first wife Jamila.

It was an elaborate wedding with many celebrities in attendance.



4. Ugonna Uzochukwu (Olympique Club de Khouribga of Morocco)

Morocco-based midfielder Ugonna Uzochukwu married his sweetie, Ifeoma Jennifer Emedolibe in June 2017.

The high class wedding had top class personalities in attendance.



5. Elderson Echiejiele (Sivasspor of Turkey)

Super Eagles left back Elderson Echiejile tied the nuptial knot with his bride Vwemo Zerigbe in June 2018.

The wedding which was held in Paris, France witnessed a large turnout of celebrities which included footballers and politicians.


6. Daniel Etor (Al- Nasr of Oman)

Etor the former Enyimba and Rangers player got married to former beauty queen Simi Silas a graduate of graduate of Geography from ABU Zaria.

The wedding was held in December 2017 in Abuja



7. Mikel Agu (Bursaspor of Turkey)

Super Eagles and FC Porto midfielder Mikel Agu married Henrietta Omoriege Ogochukwu in June 2017.

The wedding was held in Asaba, Delta state and had in attendance some Super Eagles players.

Henrietta is a graduate ot Theartre Arts from Delta State University in Abraka, Delta State.



8. Victor Moses (Chelsea)

Chelsea star Victor Moses got married to his long-time girlfriend and mother of his two kids, Josephine days after his team lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

The marriage was a low key event held in London.




9. Junior Ajayi (Al Ahly of Egypt)

Junior Ajayi yesterday tied the nuptial knots with his long time girlfriend Tamilore Tahwakhalat in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Al Ahly of Egypt star was also included in the 2017 Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Team of the Year on the day his wedding ceremony took place in Maryland.




10. Kenneth Omeruo(Kasimpasa of Turkey)

Super Eagles player Kenneth Omeruo got married to his fiancee Chioma Nnamani in Enugu state, Eastern Nigeria on December 30th, 2018.

The AFCON 2013 winner who is a Chelsea player but currently on loan at Turkish club Kasimpasa, propose to his wife in September 2017

Full Story: and pictures: https://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/2017-recap-ten-nigerian-footballers-who.html?m=1

Nigerian and Al Ahly striker Junior Ajayi has tied the nuptial knot with his longtime partner Tamilore Tahwakhalat at a high class wedding held in Lagos, Nigeria on Saturday 90minutesgoal.com can confirm.

The wedding ceremony was well attended by friends and teammates of Ajayi from his hay days at De Royal Football Club, First Bank and former Nigeria Professional football league side Shooting Stars football club.

Some of the invited guest at the wedding were former Falconets coach Rolandson Odey, Gbolahan Salami of KuPS, Azeez Shobowale of Al Hilal of Sudan and Osun United coach Bayo Adesina.

Ajayi who was earlier today included in the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Team of the Year for the outgoing 2017 year said he was delighted sealing his relationship with Tamilore

"Words cannot express how I feel today, I am no longer a bachelor, I am married to the prettiest woman in the world. Ajayi the powerful striker told www.90minutesgoal.com.

full story and pics http://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/Al-Ahly-striker-Junior-Ajayi-Gets-Married.html

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is already planning for life after football as 90minutesgoal.com can confirm that the 31-year-old Belgian has graduated from Alliance Manchester Business School with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

It appears that the Belgian powerhouse's ability in the air isn't the only way that he puts good use to his head, having graduated from the University of Manchester with a Merit grad following his 72 mark dissertation project which looked at the advantage of home football matches giving players an improved level of performance.

Vincent Kompany sees the importance of education being the

Full Story: https://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/vincent-kompany-graduates-from-university-of-manchester.html

1995 World footballer of the year, George Oppong Weah has emerged as the new President of Liberia 90minutesgoal.com reports. Weah defeated his closest rival Joseph Boakai who is presently the Vice president to president Elen Johnson Sirleaf.

Weah who played as a striker is regarded as one of the finest talent to have emerged from the continent of Africa. He was named Africa footballer of the year in 1989, 1994 and 1995 becoming the first player to do so.

In 1995 George Weah became the first player from Africa to receive the FIFA World Player of the Year and also the Ballon d'Or.

He contested the Presidential election in 2005 and lost due to accusations from his political opponents citing his lack of formal education as a handicap to his ability to lead the country.

In 2011, George Weah contested for a seat in the Liberian senate and defeated Robert Sirleaf, the son of the current President Mrs Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

A deadly striker who scored goals for fun, Weah was discovered by Arsene Wenger who brought him to Monaco. He scored 17 goals in his first season in Monaco.

George Weah also played for PSG, AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City and Marseille ⚽

Full Story and pictures: https://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/George-Weah-wins-Liberia-Election.html

90MinutesGOAL can confirm that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have sent an invitation to the president of Nigeria His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari to attend the Super Eagles friendly match in Abuja scheduled to hold on May 27.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Mr Amaju Pinnick stated this on a radio programme on Cool FM Abuja tagged SportsMax which was extensively monitored by 90MinutesGOAL.

“We hope our dear President Buhari will be available to bid the Super Eagles a resounding farewell during a friendly which will hold in Abuja on May 27,” Pinnick disclosed.

The NFF is yet to announce the country Nigeria will play on May 27 in Abuja two months after Nigeria will play Poland precisely on March 23, 2018.

Pinnick also stated that Nigeria will play two friendly matches on the 2nd and 3rd of June 2018 with one of the matches against World cup bound England and the other against a team not going to the World cup.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in group D of the 2018 World Cup.

President Buhari last watched the Super Eagles live at the Abuja national stadium in 2011 when two goals from Peter Utaka and Ikechukwu Uche helped Nigeria defeat the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia 4-0 in an African Nation's Cup qualifier.

Full story and Pictures: https://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/president-buhari-to-watch-super-eagles-match-in-Abuja.html?m=1

90MinutesGOAL can confirm that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have sent an invitation to the president of Nigeria His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari to attend the Super Eagles friendly match in Abuja scheduled to hold on May 27.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Mr Amaju Pinnick stated this on a radio programme on Cool FM Abuja tagged SportsMax which was extensively monitored by 90MinutesGOAL.

“We hope our dear President Buhari will be available to bid the Super Eagles a resounding farewell during a friendly which will hold in Abuja on May 27,” Pinnick disclosed.

The NFF is yet to announce the country Nigeria will play on May 27 in Abuja two months after Nigeria will play Poland precisely on March 23, 2018.

Pinnick also stated that Nigeria will play two friendly matches on the 2nd and 3rd of June 2018 with one of the matches against World cup bound England and the other against a team not going to the World cup.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in group D of the 2018 World Cup.

President Buhari last watched the Super Eagles live at the Abuja national stadium in 2011 when two goals from Peter Utaka and Ikechukwu Uche helped Nigeria defeat the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia 4-0 in an African Nation's Cup qualifier.

Full story and Pictures: https://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/president-buhari-to-watch-super-eagles-match-in-Abuja.html?m=1

Is not yet January, but 90MinutesGOAL can confirm that Merseyside club Liverpool has completed the signing of Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk for a world record fee of £75m deal.

The £75m fee paid for Virgil van Dijk makes him the world most expensive defender and thus eclipse the £52m fee Manchester City paid Monaco for the signature of Frenchman Benjamin Mendy in July 2017.

In a statement on Instagram, Van Dijk wrote: "Delighted and honoured to have agreed to become a Liverpool FC player! Today is a proud day for me and my family as I join one of the biggest clubs in world football!

"I can’t wait to pull on the famous red shirt for the first time in front of the Kop and will give everything I have to try and help this great club achieve something special in the years to come.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Les Reed, the board, manager, players, fans and everyone at Southampton.

"I will always be indebted to the club for giving me the opportunity to play in the Premier League and despite a difficult last few months I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Saints and have made friends for life at the club. Thank you for everything. Thank you for all the messages of support. I’m now looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting started

Virgil van Dijk Netherlands will be assigned squad number four, upon his arrival at Liverpool.

Full story and unveiling picture here: http://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/Virgil-van-Dijk-joins-Liverpool.html

Nigerian international and FC UFA of Russia striker Sylvester Emeka Igbonu dedicated his sixth mansion in Lagos on Christmas day 90minutesgoal.com reports.

The house which is a 12 bedroom duplex is located in Chevron Estate, Lekki, Lagos and is said to have cost ₦380million.

Some of the stars who attended the house warming ceremony were Lukman Haruna, Rilwan Hassan, Izunna Uzochukwu, Gbolahan Salami and Odion Ighalo.

Igbonu joined Russian Premier League side FC Ufa on July 13, 2015 from Danish club FC FC Midtjylland after he helped them win the Danish league.

He made his international debut for Nigeria in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification game against Tanzania on 5 September 2015, replacing Moses Simon as a substitute in the 69th minute.

Igbonu has netted six goals in 19 league matches for FC UFA this season and his club are sixth in the Russian League table.

He also has properties in Abule Egba and VGC in Lagos

More pictures of the house: https://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/Igbonu-house-lekki-380million.html?m=1

The Nigeria police force has arrested two suspected money doublers in connection to the missing $40,000 which happened in November at the glass house of the Nigeria Football Federation 90minutesgoal.com reports.

A young lady who was working as an intern in the NFF took the missing $40,000 with the intention of returning the money after doubling it via voodoo.

90minutssGOAL gathered that the lady who is a sister to an ex-president of the Nigeria Football Federation collected four bundles of $10,000 and took to heels leaving her handbag at the crime of the scene.

The lady then handed the money to two men who assured her of doubling the money to $80,000 within 48 hour.

Full Story: http://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/Missing-nff-money-men-arrested.html?m=1

Nigerian International forward Victor Moses has been excluded from the final three man nominee for the 2017 African Footballer of the Year Award 90minutesgoal.com reports.

The final three players shortlisted by CAF on Monday morning are Sadio Mane (Senegal/Liverpool), Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon/Borussia Dortmund).
Formerly called the GLO CAF Award, it has since be rebranded and rechristened the AITEO CAF Award after Nigerian oil giant AITEO Group over the sponsorship of the annual event in October 2017.

In the female category, Super Falcons star forward Asisat Oshola was among the final nominee alongside Chrestina Kgatlana (South Africa) and Gabrielle Onguene (Cameroon).

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr was also nominated for coach of the year alongside Hector Cuper (Egypt) and CAF Champions league winning coach Hussein Amoutta (Wydada Casablanca).

The Nigeria U-20 female national team and the Super Eagles were also nominated for team of the year.

Gabonese and Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the current holder of the award while Sadio Mane has been in good form for club and country as he helped Sengal qualify for the world Cup.

The odds favour Egyptian and Liverpool star Mohammed Salah who has been in good form for Liverpool and is currently the highest goal scorer in the Baclays English Premier League with 20 goals after 18 matches played this season.

Sallah who is the current BBC African footballer of the year, also helped Egypt qualify for Russia 2018 World Cup after a 28 years absence from the quadrennial event.

The award will be held in Accra, Ghana on January 4, 2018.

Full Story: http://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/Moses-dropped-CAF-award.html?m=1

Former Nigerian captain Kanu Nwankwo captained an African legend team that lost 2-1 to Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL side Kano Pillars in a charity match played at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Kano on Thursday 90minutesgoal.com reports.

Striker Akide Ibrahim scored a brace in the game for Kano Pillars, while former captain of Bafana Bafana of South Africa Aaron Mokoena scored the only goal for the Legend side in the game which was organized to help internally displaced persons.

Some of the ex stars that played for the Legend side were former Zimbabwe and Portsmouth forward Benjani Nwaruwari, Daniel Amokach, Tijani Babangida, Garba Lawal, Samson Siasia, Aaron Mokeana, former Senegal and Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf, Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro, Mutiu Adepoju, Manu Garba, Patrick Pascal, Waidi Akanni, Bassey Osegie, while Chinese based Brown Ideye played for the African Legends.

Former Arsenal attacker Kanu Nwankwo said he was happy that everything went as planned and expressed joy for being part of the game, while also praising the organizers of the charity match.

“It’s an opportunity for us to show support for the internally displaced persons and we are glad to be in Kano today.

“The organizers did a good job in organizing this high profile charity match and bringing all these stars here and I want to say a big kudos to them.”

See pictures and full story below: http://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/idp-match-vs-kano-pillars.html?m=1

The four Nigeria clubs that will represent Nigeria in the continent next year now know their opponents 90minutesgoal.com reports.

The draw which was conducted at the CAF headquarters in Cairo on Wednesday and exclusively monitored by 90MinutesGOAL sees MFM traveling to Mali to tackle any club that finshes in second place in the ongoing Malian Professional league in the first leg.

Nigeria Professional Football League champions Plateau United will welcome Cameronian side Eding Sport FC to Jos in the first leg of the CAF Champions league preliminary qualifier.

Read More: http://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/Plateau-United-to-play-eding-sport-of-cameroon-caf-.html?m=1

It is no longer news in the football fraternity that on Monday Mohammed Salah was voted the BBC African Footballer of the year for 2017 defeating other contestants such as Sadio Mane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Victor Moses and Naby Kieta.

Chinedu Laurel Okorodike outlines four reasons why Nigerian International Victor Moses did not win the 2017 BBC African Football of the year.


1. Nigeria is presently divided along ethnic lines.
Yes this may sound bitter to hear, but the truth must be told. Nigeria is presently divided as their is no unity among the three major ethnic group that make up the country (Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa).

So instead of over 200 million citizens of Nigeria seeing Victor Moses as a national project, they tend to see voting for him as the duty of a particular tribe.

2. The interested ones did not vote
No matter how divided Nigeria may be, one thing you cannot take away is the fact that football still keeps us together partially.

So having said that, only few logged into the BBC website to vote for Moses out of the millions of Nigerians that claim to love Moses, the national team and the beautiful game.

If not how can you explain the fact that Nigeria as a country with over 200 million citizens could not give Moses good number of votes, instead he finished 4th and Salah who hails from Egypt with a population of 95 million, finished as winner.

3. The Present is fresher in the memory than the past.
The award was meant to reward African players who had a splendid 2016/2017 season which makes Moses the favorite.

But it seems most voters forgot about that and instead voted Mohammed Salah who is presently in seventh heavens for Liverpool.

If we compare the stats we can deduce that Moses had a better 2016/2017 season were he was splendid for Chelsea in their EPL title winning run and also for Nigeria in their quest to qualify for the 2018 world cup.

Salah scored 15 goals in 31 matches for AS Roma in 2016/2017, prior before joining Liverpool, but his work rate in 2016/2017 for club and country cannot match that of Moses.

4. Finally, winning awards in Modern day football depends on your position as a player
It is an undisputed fact that to win any award in modern day football the odds favour you if you are an offensive player.

A striker who bangs in 25 goals in a season is preferred to a goalkeeper who made 30 saves in a season, likewise a Mohammed Salah who scored 15 goals for AS Roma in a season looks more juicy and appealing to the heart than a Victor Moses who threw in every foot and body for Chelsea including scoring few decisive goals and running the right-wing back position like a formular one car driven by the legendary Michael Schumacher or the crazy drivers that serve as escorts to some or almost all political figures in Nigeria.

Did I miss out any point? or do you have any other point you feel cost Victor Moses the award, feel free to comment below.he

Full Story: http://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/Why-victor-Moses-lost-BBC-award.html?m=1

Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohammed Sakah has been voted the BBC African Footballer of the Year for 2017.

The 25-year-old Egyptian defeated stiff opponents such as Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Guinean Naby Keita, Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Nigeria’s Victor Moses to be named the continent’s greatest player.

"I am very happy to win this award. ‘It’s always a special feeling when you win something. I feel like I had a great year, so I’m very happy" Salah told 90minutesgoal.company

"I want to be the best Egyptian ever so I work hard", Salah concluded.

Salah joined Liverpool from Italian side AS Roma for a club record fee of £36.9million in the summer, and has scored 19 goals in his opening 24 appearances.

Nigerian International Victor Moses who many tipped as the favorite for the annual award finished in 4th position.

Final Poll

1. Mohamed Salah
2. Sadio Mane
3. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
4. Victor Moses
5. Naby Keita

Full story and pics: http://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/Salah-wins-bbc-african-footballer-2017-award.html?m=1

This should make front page. Is an advice for our Football administrators as we prepare for the world cup

They say when you combine hard work and talent and spice it up with motivation, it generates unending success. Chinedu Laurel Okorodike writes for 90minutesgoal.com.

This is the glaring definition of Cristiano Ronaldo's career achievement for both club and country.

The 32-year-old was recently awarded his fifth Ballon d'Or award after putting up splendid performances in the years under review.

The Portuguese International scored a whooping 42 goals in all competition for club and country also leading Real Madrid to win the La Liga and UEFA Champions League.

Rinaldo is 32 years old, and there are suggestions from some quarters that he's declining.

Yes Ronaldo might be declining in terms of performance compared to his input five or six years ago, but the key thing is that at 32, he is still at the level other footballers dream of getting to. A Ronaldo at 32 is still a threat anyday and any time on the pitch.

Take a close look and you might have noticed that Ronaldo no longer tries to run past opponents in full pace and show of skill and power every time he gets the ball.

Instead he now let's his brain occasionally thinks his feet are still as fast as they were a few years ago during his early days with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Recently, a boy in my neighborhood in Port Harcourt said to me and I quote "Mr Laurel, why do Nigerian players at 31-32 years of age starts fading and retire at the end ?".

"And I bluntly told him, that is because most Nigerian and African players don't start their football careers with their true age. So when you expect then to be at their peak, they are already diminished strength wise inside".

I forgot to tell him that discipline also play a major role to remain yourat the top-most level. At 32, Ronaldo still has the hunger to succeed. He had this hunger and determination from the on set.

He wasn't so good in set pieces, but he got a personal trainer who brushed him on that. He does over 600 press up daily to stay fit and does not take alcohol and is always the last to leave training.

His determination to succeed enabled him equal Messi's five times Ballon D'Or award even when Messi led him 5-2.

Most Nigerian players are are not disciplined in their careers. Once they manage to get good deals or contract away from home, they lose control as seen in the recent case of Watford star Isaac Success.

As a footballer or athlete, the older you are, the more experienced and intelligent you become, and you don't waste energy on things you don't need. This same principle applies to all aspect of life.

Ronaldo now takes up strategic position around the pitch from where he can cause damage to opponent's rather than making runs that might just distract opponents.

He knows when to play as a striker or as a winger on the left. Such new attribute has made him more dangerous coupled with a towering aerial ability.

He might not have the same commanding and fearful presence that he once brings to opposition teams but Ronaldo is still a decisive player, a player who knows how to win and how to be in the right place to beat even the toughest of opponents.

The Super Eagles can boast of a young squad at the moment and this is because the current boss Gernot Rohr has embarked on a "catch them young campaign", and the result is glaring for everyone to see.

This was what was missing for so many years as most of the set of players we presented at different cadet tournaments were not within the age bracket required for such competition.

You can't present a 22-year-old player for a competition meant for 17 years old lads and expect the 20-year-old player to be in top notch form for the next 15 years. A typical example was the Philip Osondu case.

In football, when you lie about your age, you tend to under perform when people expect you to perform.

The way forward

The good work of Gernot Rohr must be upheld and continued by all coaches of the U-17, U-20 and U-23 team. This is one secret the German national team deployed to which was evident when they featured a second string team that lifted the 2017 Confederation Cup.

We have Cristiano Ronaldo's and Lionel Messi's scattered all over Nigeria, all we need is to beam the proverbial search light on them to discover and integrate them.

Nigeria did not win the World Youth Championship tagged Holland 2005 but it helped us discover Mikel Obi who is still in active football with his age mate Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas who all played in that same competition in 2005. That cannot be said of Taye Taiwo who also played in that competition as a 20-year-old in 2005.

We must see age grade competition as an avenue to fish out talent for the Super Eagles and not the way we currently see it as a must win tournamen, which led to the nigeria u17 age cheating claim.

I sign off this week with a list of Cristiano Ronaldo all time accolades and goals record shown below.

630+ career Goals
200+ career Assists
5 Ballon d'Or
4 Golden Shoe
3 UEFA Best Player
2 FIFA Best Award
4 Champions League
4 Club World Cup
3 UEFA Super Cup
3 Premier League
2 La Liga Trophy
2 Copa del Rey
2 Supercopa de España
2 League Cup
1 Community Shield
1 FA Cup
1 Euro Cup

Full Article: http://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/Why-nigerian-footballers-lie-about-age.html?m=1

cc:lalasticala

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The highly anticipated draw for the 2018 World Cup finals kicks off in Moscow on Friday afternoon as 32 countries participating in next year's World Cup will know their respective group opponent's.

Chinedu Laurel Okorodike of 90minutesgoal.com takes you on a drive of what to expect in today's draw.

How the draws will be done

The 32 teams who have qualified will be split into eight four-team groups, drawn from four pots. The groups will contain one team from each pot.

Teams have been placed in the pots according to their position in the Fifa world rankings for October. The exception to that are the hosts Russia, who are automatically in pot one.

So Pot One contains the seven highest-ranked teams plus Russia, pot two has the next eight teams in the rankings, and so on. Nigeria are in pot four which is the weakest pot.

Nigeria could face three European teams in the group stage, but no continent (except Europe because they have the largest slot in the World Cup) can have more than one team in a group, so no South American sides will go head-to-head in the group phase and also two African teams cannot meet in the group stage.

For example, Nigeria cannot meet Egypt or Senegal cannot meet Tunisia or Nigeria.

HOW THE POT LOOK LIKE

Pot one Russia (hosts), Germany, Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Belgium, Poland, France

Pot two Spain, Peru, Switzerland, England, Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico, Croatia

Pot three Denmark, Iceland, Costa Rica, Sweden, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, Iran

Pot four Serbia, Nigeria, Australia, Japan, Morocco, Panama, South Korea, Saudi Arabia

The four pots will be emptied by drawing the eight teams they each contain one by one and placing them in the eight groups of four teams (Groups A to H).

Russia, as hosts, will occupy the top position in Group A, while the seven other seeds will occupy the top spots in Groups B to H.

The positions of all the other teams (from pots two, three and four) will be decided when they are drawn.

As is customary at final draws, a ball will be drawn from the team pots and then another from the group pots to determine the position in which the team in question will play.

WORST-PREDICTED DRAW FOR NIGERIA

Germany, Spain, Sweden, Nigeria

BEST-PREDICTED DRAW FOR NIGERIA

Russia, Peru, Iceland, Nigeria

The draw will be hostes by Engkands ex International Gary Lineker and Russia's beautiful Journalist Komandnaya. They will also be assisted at the draw by eight major names from previous World Cup.

They are France’s Laurent Blanc, England’s Gordon Banks, Brazil’s Cafu, Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro, Uruguay’s Diego Forlán, Argentina’s Diego Maradona, Spain’s Carles Puyol and Russia’s Nikita Simonyan.

In Nigeria, you can watch the draw in Kwese Sports and Suoersports. Meanwhile, you can also follow our correspondent Ganiyu Tsav for Live Text commentary of proceedings from the draw and all the razzmatazz around it LIVE on our website www.90minutesgoal.com as it happens

After the draw, readers can join the discussion and ask our expert panel questions during a special Facebook Live at www.Facebook.com/90minutesgoal.com

Full story: http://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/12/world-cup-2018-draw-how-it-will-and-who.html?m=1